Prevention

Adopt these Alternatives to Release as responsible consumer behaviors

Through the leadership of the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, a group of resource
conservation professionals came together with industry representatives to develop several
alternatives for properly releasing or disposing of unwanted aquatic plants or fish. These
Alternatives are the foundation for the HabitattitudeTM campaign, and serve as responsible
aquarist, pond owner or water gardener behaviors with respect to conserving our environment.

Ornamental fish and aquatic plants represent the majority of live species purchased by aquarists,
backyard pond owners and water gardeners. Oftentimes, these species require special care and
environmental conditions. If you have recently acquired any of these species and you have found
that they do not fit in with the other plants and animals in your system, HabitattitudeTM encourages
you to choose one of these alternatives, instead of releasing these species into our environment.